Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. Poster

Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. 1999

★ 6.968 votes91 min📅 1999-12-29

Dive into the unsettling true story behind *Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.* (1999), a chilling documentary directed by Errol Morris. The film traces the bizarre and controversial journey of Fred A. Leuchter Jr.

Director: Errol Morris

Cast

Fred A. Leuchter Jr.
Fred A. Leuchter Jr.
Self
Robert Jan van Pelt
Robert Jan van Pelt
Self
David Irving
David Irving
Self
Caroline Leuchter
Self (voice)
James Roth
Self
Shelly Shapiro
Shelly Shapiro
Self
Suzanne Tabasky
Self
Ernst Zündel
Self
David Collins
David Collins
Re-enactment cast
Daniel Polsby
Re-enactment cast

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. (1999) about?

The film follows Fred A. Leuchter Jr., a specialist in execution devices, whose career takes a drastic turn when he is hired to investigate the existence of gas chambers at Auschwitz. His findings, published in a report, ignite controversy and ultimately destroy his reputation.

Who directed Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.?

The documentary was directed by Errol Morris, acclaimed for his investigative and thought-provoking filmmaking style.

Who stars in Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.?

The film prominently features Fred A. Leuchter Jr., Robert Jan van Pelt, David Irving, Caroline Leuchter, and James Roth.

Is Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. (1999) worth watching?

As a documentary, it offers a gripping and unsettling exploration of historical denialism and personal hubris. Its sharp themes and Morris' direction make it a compelling, if disturbing, watch for those interested in true crime and historical controversies.

How long is Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.?

The film runs for 91 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr. (1999) — A disturbing true story of engineering, denialism, and downfall

Dive into the unsettling true story behind *Mr. Death: The Rise and Fall of Fred A. Leuchter, Jr.* (1999), a chilling documentary directed by Errol Morris. The film traces the bizarre and controversial journey of Fred A. Leuchter Jr., a self-described execution device engineer whose expertise led him to the fringes of historical denialism. Hired by holocaust denier Ernst Zundel, Leuchter's investigation into Auschwitz's gas chambers culminated in a report that would not only destroy his credibility but also his life's work. Through stark interviews and haunting visuals, Morris crafts a portrait of ambition, naivety, and the perilous consequences of blurring ethics with pseudoscience.

Morris' documentary unfolds like a slow-burning psychological thriller, blending the clinical precision of Leuchter's profession with the moral decay of his choices. The film's atmosphere is tense and uneasy, as it questions the boundaries of expertise and the dangers of historical revisionism. With the backdrop of execution facilities and the shadow of Auschwitz, *Mr. Death* challenges viewers to reflect on how far obsession can lead—and what happens when truth is manipulated for personal gain.